A tragic mass shooting occurred outside the Republic NOLA nightclub in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, April 14, 2024. The incident resulted in the death of one woman and injured eleven others. The shooting took place just before midnight on the 800 block of South Peters Street, an area known for its vibrant nightlife.
The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Jezreel Aquilla Poleate, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana.
An individual who witnessed the incident described the scene: “When I heard the shots, I ran to the bathroom and grabbed a couple of people who were with me and kinda got low. We stayed until it settled, but nobody knew what was next or if there would be more shots. There was a lot of panic and a lot of chaos.”
Kelsey Holt, a visitor from Nashville, Tennessee, reported hearing six to seven gunshots and seeing a crowd fleeing from the club. Holt also observed a woman lying on the street with people trying to assist her.
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) stated that all victims were adults, including six women and five men. Emergency services transported some of the injured to local hospitals, while others were aided by civilians. The aftermath revealed that four bullets had penetrated the padlocked doors of the club, and a parked car nearby was also hit by gunfire.
Nick Thomas, owner of Republic NOLA, ensured that all his staff were safe and expressed his concern over the incident that happened just outside his venue.
U.S. Representative Troy Carter spoke out about the tragedy, emphasizing the need for immediate gun reform measures and violence reduction programs. “Too many lives have been lost,” he said, urging swift action against the persistent violence in the community.
Poleate, the victim of the attack, was remembered as a lively and humorous individual by her friends. She worked multiple jobs, including positions at the Caesars Superdome, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and a local bar.
Poleate’s loved ones are mourning her loss. Her mother, Sharon Poleate, described her as “incredibly loving, friendly, and stylish.”
This incident marks the second deadly shooting at a bar or club in the city within two weeks. A security guard was fatally shot at the entrance of Witt’s Inn in Mid-City just the week before.
Following the recent shooting, Democratic leaders have called for changes in gun laws. They criticized Louisiana’s new concealed carry law, which allows residents aged 18 and over to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. The law is set to take effect on July 4th. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and Mayor LaToya Cantrell proposed that New Orleans should be exempt from the new law.
Democratic state Representative Alonzo Knox and Republican Senator Kirk Talbot introduced bills proposing gun-free zones in certain areas, including the French Quarter and the Downtown Development District. Current laws already ban firearms in school zones and parade routes.
The authorities are investigating surveillance footage from Republic NOLA and other nearby establishments. The details of the shooter’s location, whether inside or outside the club, have not been released.
Despite the recent violence, New Orleans has seen a decrease in both fatal and non-fatal shootings over the past year, with homicides down 40% compared to the previous year, outpacing the national decline of 20%.